Skiips Discusses the Influence of Emtee & Nasty C’s “Winning” on His Artistic Journey. Emerging South African musician Skiips has shared insights about a transformative experience that altered his musical path, detailing how a single track by Emtee and Nasty C redirected him from “hard raps” toward a more melodic style.
During a recent interview, the Emtee Records artist reflected on his early musical experiences, recalling a time when he identified more as a thoughtful rapper focused on intricate lyrics.
“I was recording, but that’s how I felt, like a conscious rapper. Like a backpack rapper, you know?” Skiips said.
The rapper notes that a significant shift took place following a crucial studio session where he was introduced to “Winning” by Emtee and Nasty C. This track, which has gained recognition as a major collaboration in the South African hip hop scene, fundamentally changed his perspective on music creation.
“Until I met this man. He played that song by Emtee and Nasty C, ‘Winning’. And he was like, try making a song like this, like, try being more melodic,” he recounted.
This piece of advice proved to be a crucial moment in Skiips’ artistic development and identity.
“And my life changed forever ‘cause I stopped with the hard raps. And I started making songs, you know?” he shared.
His comments provide fans with a clearer view of the evolution that has shaped Skiips into the artist he represents today. While many artists prioritize technical lyricism, Skiips’ narrative emphasizes that melody and emotional resonance can significantly redefine an artist’s career trajectory.
The impact of Emtee is particularly evident, as his work has profoundly influenced the younger generation of South African hip hop musicians. Emtee’s unique approach to blending street stories with catchy melodies has redefined local rap and encouraged many artists to explore beyond conventional frameworks.
For Skiips, this inspiration has laid the groundwork for his current musical style. Now under the Emtee Records label, he has fully transitioned from a self-identified backpack rapper to an artist who integrates melody and songwriting while maintaining authenticity.
